Expo Faces Arles, France

I was in doubt. To take part or not. But I’m so glad I did.

My work was part of FACES, the Art-Icon exhibition in Arles, right on the Rhône. Exactly where Van Gogh once painted Starry Night Over the Rhône. Seeing my images displayed there, in the open air, with the river behind them, felt like everything clicked into place.

This portrait was one of them. I shot it with the incredible Vicky Geno, with make-up by Selena Colpa and styling by Florine Eijgenraam. A dream team. What I love in this image is the directness, the tension, and the mix of bold colour with constructed identity. That edge between costume and character. Between control and exposure. It’s a place I often find myself working in.

Arles itself blew me away. I’ve never visited a place where photography felt so alive. Les Rencontres de la Photographieruns through the whole city. Every street, gallery, and back courtyard seemed to pulse with imagery. And what struck me most was the freedom in how artists chose to show their work. Some pinned prints loosely to walls. Others framed everything in silence and precision. From wild to refined, it all worked, because it was intentional.

I was especially moved by work from Rose Mihman, William Ropp, and Eloïse Labarbe-Lafon — whose book I brought home. Each of them touched on something intimate, layered, and beautifully staged.

If you're ever in doubt about going: just go. I can’t recommend it enough.

Hugo